The Football Association has confirmed it is investigating claims that Macclesfield captain Nat Brown was racially abused by spectators during Tuesday night's match at Barrow. The allegation from Macclesfield followed the FA Cup second-round match between the two clubs at Holker Street which ended 1-1.

The Macclesfield manager, Steve King, said Brown had been called "a monkey" by some Barrow fans as he made his way out for the second half. The referee David Webb included his version of events in his report of the match, which will go to a 29 December replay to determine who will facenpower Championship side Cardiff in the third round.

A spokesman for the FA said: "We are aware of the incident and it was referenced in the referee's report. We are now liaising with both clubs and the police."

The Barrow chairman Brian Keen said the allegations of racism would be dealt with seriously by the Blue Square Bet Premier side.

"It's just unacceptable and it will be looked into," Keen told BBC Radio Cumbria.